by Mitchell Duneier ; read by Prentice Onayemi ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 30, 2016
The concept of the ghetto began in Venice; the word was taken from an island that Jewish Venetians were forced to call home. W.E.B. DuBois first compared Jewish ghettos in Europe to black areas of the United States in the 1890s. Use of the word took hold only after WWII. The author traces the history of both areas as well as the sociology and opinion that surround them. Prentice Onayemi conveys the information well, ensuring listeners' attention. Listeners are brought up to date on efforts to improve educational opportunities. Duneier also includes cautionary warnings of the harmful societal effects of years of targeting drugs and crime.
Pub Date: Nov. 30, 2016
Duration: 10 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781504767644
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by William F. Buckley Jr. ; read by Walter Lawrence ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A
Buckley offers a reasonable proposal for a national service program without jail or criminal penalties. Narrator Lawrence reads with a slow and careful announcer's voice; one wishes Buckley were reading this one himself. Books on Tape does its usual quality job with formatting, packaging and tape-turning instructions. The reader repeats the last sentence at such times, so you're sure you haven't missed anything. Popular nonfiction collections will appreciate Gratitude, and the topic is likely to prove timely in the years ahead.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 5 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by Jonathan Kozol ; read by Jack Winston ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A
Kozol’s shocking exposé of inequities in the funding of our public schools contrasts white suburban schools with those serving black and Hispanic populations. Interviews with students, teachers, and school administrators add eloquent testimony to Kozol’s disturbing presentation of facts. Narration by Jack Winston is clear and brisk, but the pace is unrelenting, with little pause for transition between scenes or chapters. Winston’s cool, detached voice contrasts with Kozol’s impasssioned and outraged message. The sheer repetition and magnitude of Kozol’s damning evidence is numbing; the narration gives no relief. Powerful medicine, most easily taken in small doses. Music signalling tape changes is jarringly inappropriate.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 8 hrs
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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